Song Rig
Ain't It Funky Now
Grant Green · Alive! · 1970
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
Soul-jazz groove with a rounder, more percussive character than his hard bop work — Green adapts his single-note approach to James Brown-influenced rhythmic figures. The tone is still warm but the attack is more pronounced in the funky context.
Signal Chain
- 1Gibson ES-330 or ES-335
- 2Jazz amplifier
Amp Settings
Slightly brighter than his ballad settings to add rhythmic definition. The percussive funk context rewards a little more pick attack presence.
Technique
How to Play It
Rhythmic chord stabs on the upbeats between single-note runs — Green bridges the gap between bebop and funk rhythm guitar, anticipating the style that would define 1970s soul-jazz.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Semi-hollow (ES-335 or 330) → Polytone or clean combo → focus on rhythmic precision. The tone is warm but the technique is the essential element.
Your Gear
Adapt to My Amp
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